ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 2, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - May 2, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• U.S. Introduces New Sanctions on Third Countries Helping Russia Avoid Sanctions
• Schools in Delhi Closed After Email Bomb Threats
• U.S. Senate Passes Legislation Banning Imports of Russian Uranium

U.S. Introduces New Sanctions on Third Countries Helping Russia Avoid Sanctions

On May 1, the U.S. Department of the Treasury introduced new sanctions designed to crack down on third countries that help Russia evade Western sanctions. The new sanctions target nearly 60 entities located in Azerbaijan, Belgium, China, Slovakia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that enable Russia to procure dual-use technologies and other equipment from abroad. Since late 2023 the U.S. has increased pressure on third countries to halt activities that help Russia evade sanctions, with some success. Recent media reports indicate financial institutions in China and the UAE have limited their transactions with Russian companies in recent months. The U.S. pressure is unlikely to fully eliminate Russian sanctions evasion, however, supply lines through third countries will likely grow more complex and expensive.

Schools in Delhi Closed After Email Bomb Threats

On May 1, over 100 schools in India’s National Capital Region were evacuated after receiving email bomb threats. This came the same day as a similar threat against the governor’s residence in Bihar state, and several days after several threats targeted major Indian airports including Mumbai. Authorities have tracked the origin of the emails, which may have been sent by a VPN, to Russia. All of the threats so far have turned out to be hoaxes.

U.S. Senate Passes Legislation Banning Imports of Russian Uranium

On May 1, the U.S. Senate approved legislation banning the import of enriched uranium from Russia. The House of Representatives had previously approved a version of the bill in December 2023; it will now head to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it into law. The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act would ban US imports 90 days after enactment, but allow temporary waivers until January 2028. This measure will likely prompt large shifts in the global uranium market.